Rosemont House was built in 1892 by Mr. C.L. Dodd, the architect who designed St. Francis de Sales residential school for young African American women.  The Dodds named their new home, "Hardscrabble."

     It was constructed by Mr. William Sturdivent Taylor, an African American skilled artisan, and ancestor of Powhatan families today. 

     St. Katharine Drexel stayed with the Dodds as she made plans for St. Francis de Sales High School for young women. St. Emma Miitary Academy for the young men was established by Colonel Edward and Louise Drexel Morrell on the adjoining property across Deep Creek at Belmead.

     The Meacham family moved into the house in 1901 and named it "Rosemont."  Mr. Swift Williams became the owner in te 1960's.  He is happy to pass on this great site to become a new place for social justice and education.   A new history and new stories will begin, and continue "...unto the 7th Generation."

     Rosemont is listed on the Virginia Landmark registry, the National Registry of Historic places, and the National Park Services.

     The future site of The Drexel-Morrell Center is located across from the St.Francis school entry road at the corner of Bell and Cosby Roads. The new center  is surrounded by 56 acres of forest and open land.

     It's an ideal gathering place for alumni, friends, community, youth and seniors and all people of good will.  This place has the great potential to become a place for truth seeking conversation, ancestry research, storytelling, and education!

     Join with us as we begin anew!